KR102551662B1 - Coffee Beverages and Methods - Google Patents

Abstract

A single serving coffee package having an outer shell having one folded edge and three heat-sealed edges, one folded edge and a sealed edge, comprising 95% by weight of a material that is perishable and biodegradable. , a filter bag positioned entirely within an outer shell, forming a closed shell with opposite sides, each side comprising one layer of a completely perishable and biodegradable filter material, the filter material passing through the material. A filter bag, a volume of ground coffee particles in a filter bag, presenting a plurality of openings, allowing water to pass through, the openings having no dimensions exceeding a minimum dimension, the dimensions of the particles being such that the coffee particles pass through the openings. particles of the ground coffee, and a predetermined gas surrounding the filter bag and the plurality of coffee particles within the outer shell, which prevent them from passing through the filter material, the gas comprising a plurality of coffee particles exposed to the gas within the outer shell and Contains a gas, which is inert to the filter bag.

Description

Coffee Beverages and Methods

The present invention falls within the technical field of coffee beverages, and more particularly relates to single serving coffee devices and methods of manufacturing, selling and dispensing such devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION It is well known to serve tea, and in some cases coffee, in a packaged arrangement for single servings so that coffee or tea can be made by adding hot or in some cases cold water. However, existing systems for coffee in single serving packages have significant drawbacks. One drawback is that a machine is needed to force the water through the capsule. Another disadvantage is that single servings of coffee have a negative impact on the environment, as the packaging cannot be recycled or does not perish easily. Another disadvantage is that the shelf life of such packaging is very short and the user may not get fresh coffee. Many other such problems exist, and many improvements can be made.

In this industry, coffee is fresh and in a way that does not require machinery or special brewing equipment, and is less harmful to the environment as the packaging material that is not consumed is perishable and/or biodegradable. In this way, there is a need for a system for providing coffee for one serving. There is also a need for a way to tailor coffee to individual user and business preferences.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a single serving coffee package is provided, the package having one folded edge and three heat-sealed edges comprising 95% by weight of a perishable and biodegradable material. A filter bag entirely positioned within an outer shell having an outer shell, one folded edge and a sealed edge, forming a closed shell with opposite sides, each side being completely perishable and biodegradable. , wherein the filter material exhibits a plurality of openings through the material, allowing water to pass through, the openings having no dimensions exceeding a minimum dimension, the grinding of a volume within the filter bag. As the particles of coffee, the dimensions of the particles prevent the coffee particles from passing through the filter material through the openings, as well as the particles of ground coffee, and the predetermined gas surrounding the filter bag and the plurality of coffee particles in the outer shell, the gas contains a plurality of coffee particles exposed to the gas within the outer shell and the gas, which is inert to the filter bag.

In one embodiment, the outer skin is constructed as a three-layer laminate, the outer layer of the laminate being a transparent, reverse-printable layer. Also in one embodiment, the middle layer of the laminate is a barrier layer to gas and moisture, and the inner layer is a layer that provides sealing properties for the outer skin. In one embodiment, both the outer shell and the filter bag are rectangular in length and width. And in one embodiment, the outer shell has a maximum dimension of 5 inches and the filter bag has a maximum dimension of 3.5 inches.

In one embodiment, the packaging further comprises a string and a tag, both the string and the tag being a biodegradable perishable material, the tag attached to one end of the string and the filter bag to the other end of the string. attached to Also in one embodiment, the packaging further includes information and indicia readablely printed on the outer surface of the outer shell. Also in one embodiment, the ground coffee comprises from 8 to 20 grams (including 8 to 20 grams) of coffee particles. In one embodiment, the filter material of the filter bag is an entirely woven material, an entirely non-woven material, or a combination of woven and non-woven materials. And in one embodiment, the filter bag is made of a material obtained from polylactic acid (PLA).

In another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for providing single serving coffee packaging comprising forming a filter bag having a folded edge and one open edge, the filter bag being made of a perishable and biodegradable material. having opposite sides each comprising a single layer made of a filter material presenting a plurality of openings through the material, allowing water to pass through, the openings having no dimensions exceeding minimum dimensions, by an open edge. placing a quantity of particles of ground coffee into the filter bag, the dimensions of all of which prevent coffee particles from passing through the filter material through the openings; sealing the open edge of the filter bag; placing the filter bag into an outer shell having an enclosing particle, through one open edge, one folded edge, two heat-sealed edges and one open edge, the outer shell comprising: 95% by weight of a perishable and biodegradable material; filling the outer shell with a given gas to enclose the filter bag and the plurality of coffee particles with the given gas; filling the outer shell with a gas, which is inert to the filter bag and the plurality of coffee particles exposed to the gas in the outer shell, and sealing the open edge of the outer shell.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises constructing the outer shell as a three layer laminate, the outer layer of the laminate being a transparent, reverse-printable layer. Also in one embodiment, the method includes constructing an outer shell, the outer shell having a middle layer of the laminate as a barrier layer to gas and moisture, and an inner layer as a layer providing sealing properties for the outer shell. Also in one embodiment, the method includes configuring both the outer shell and the filter bag into a rectangular configuration. And in one embodiment, the method includes configuring the outer shell to a maximum dimension of 5 inches and the filter bag to a maximum dimension of 3.5 inches.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises adding a string and a tag to the packaging, both the string and the tag being a biodegradable and perishable material, the tag attached to one end of the string, and the filter bag comprising the string attached to the other end of Also in one embodiment, the method further includes printing readable information and indicia on an outer surface of the outer shell. In one embodiment, the ground coffee is added as 8 to 20 grams (including 8 to 20 grams) of coffee particles. In one embodiment, the method includes constructing the filter bag from an entirely woven material, an entirely non-woven material, or a combination of woven and non-woven materials. And in one embodiment, the method includes constructing the filter bag from a material obtained from polylactic acid (PLA).

1 is an elevational view of a coffee brewing package according to one embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the brewing package of Figure 1;
3 is a perspective view of a pour-through product of an embodiment of the present invention.
4 is a perspective view of a three-layer laminate used in an embodiment of the present invention.
5 is an elevational view of an exemplary automatic machine of an embodiment of the present invention.
6 is a process diagram detailing the processes and relationships of the processes of an embodiment of the present invention.
7 is a network-architectural diagram of an embodiment of the present invention.
8 is an exemplary interactive interface provided to a customer in an embodiment of the present invention.

1 is an elevational view of an end-use assembly 100 comprising a single serving rectangular coffee filter bag 103 carrying ground coffee 106, the filter bag being held by a string 105. With a tag 104 connected to the filter bag, all of which is placed within a protective outer shell 101, containing the gas 107, in a form that can be provided to the end-user. The outer shell is shown partially cut away (line 102) to show a filter bag filled with ground coffee, along with tags and strings and injected gas, within the outer shell.

2 is a side view of assembly 100 in cross section along section line 2-2.

In this example, the filter bag is relatively large, approximately 3 inches by 3.5 inches, providing enough surface to pass water through the bag to the ground coffee, and the overall dimensions of the outer shell 101 are about 4 inches by 5 inches. It is inches. The filter bag of this example holds about 10 to 15 grams of ground coffee. In some embodiments, this range may be 8 to 20 grams (8 to 20 grams inclusive).

A simple operation for use is to tear open the outer notched shell, extract the filter bag holding the ground coffee, place the filter bag in or on a cup or other container, immerse the filter bag and Accordingly, hot water is provided to submerge the ground coffee in the hot water. The filter bag, in some embodiments, can be part of a carriage that is immersed in a cup of hot water, and in other embodiments can be fitted over the rim of the cup, which carriage, as described in more detail below, contains hot water. Maintain the filter bag in such a way that it can be poured over and through the filter bag. After steeping, the filter bag is removed and discarded, along with the protective jacket opened.

It will be clear that over time and over many services, there will be a significant amount of used filter bags and open protective jackets that must be discarded. In embodiments of the invention, nearly every component of the overall product is perishable and/or biodegradable. Importantly, large-volume elements that would otherwise be wasted can be obtained from renewable plant-based materials, and a return to the natural elements from which they were formed can be expected. .

A “biodegradable” product is renewable, meaning that the base material is grown from the environment and can be safely and relatively quickly broken down by biological means into the original renewable material of nature from which it was formed and returned back to the environment. Because it has the ability to disappear. Such products may be solids that biodegrade into soil (also referred to as perishable) or liquids that biodegrade to water. Biodegradable plastics, paper, or fabrics can degrade naturally or when exposed to natural elements such as microorganisms (natural ingredients such as cornstarch or vegetable oil are added to achieve that result) or heat. A “perishable” product is one that can be incorporated into a composition of biodegradable materials that decay and eventually return to a nutrient-rich material. It has almost the same meaning as "biodegradable", except that it is limited to solid materials and does not refer to liquids.

Decay is a daily occurrence in nature, such as the biodegradation of leaves and branches into the forest floor. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considers decay to be a form of recycling because it converts resources into usable products.

Considering first the inner coffee filter bag, element 103 of FIG. 1 , there are several types of materials that can be used in different embodiments. The material may be woven, non-woven fiber or a combination of the two types, that is to say, of course, to allow water to flow in and out while also holding the coffee grounds in the bag, not escaping into a liquid result. It has porosity.

Considering the weave configuration first, the offset of the weave determines the geometry and size (cross-sectional area) of each row and column within the woven material. A compatible relationship must exist between this geometry and the roughness or fineness of the grinding material therein. If any particles of coffee are smaller than the openings in the weave, the particles will escape the soaking process. This threshold does not determine the fineness of the grind, it is only a required relationship.

In fact, it may be desirable for the grind to be substantially fine, since the soaking process relies on the interaction between the coffee's particles and the added hot water. The concentration increases proportionally with time, depending on the surface area of the coffee particles exposed to the water, the finer the ground, and the greater the surface area provided.

When it comes to biodegradable materials, there are several material options. One of them is polylactic acid (PLA), also known as bioplastic. It is a biodegradable and bioactive thermoplastic aliphatic polyester obtained from renewable resources, such as corn starch (USA and Canada), tapioca root, chips or starch (mostly Asia), or sugarcane (rest of the world). am. PLA can be genetically-modified organisms (GMO), such as vegetables, or non-GMO, which can be grown organically or with the help of fertilizers and chemical pesticides and others. The source of supply in an embodiment must be traceable and identifiable, and in many cases labeling is required, or in other cases, labeling is advantageous. Non-GMO, perishable and biodegradable filter materials from organically grown sources are highly desirable.

In one embodiment, the filter material of bag 103 is a composite of fine-nonwoven PLA fabric from a source, in the form of a composite with nonwoven material, which can be fused in a heat sealing process or in an ultrasonic sealing process. A nonwoven material, broadly defined as a flat, porous sheet or web structure bound together by entanglement of fibers or filaments, can be applied in a manner that fine-tunes the degree of permeability of the filter material to the degree of grind of the coffee.

In an alternative embodiment, bag 103 may be constructed entirely of woven, or composites of woven and nonwoven materials, knitted materials, or composites, each of which is a biodegradable material such as (sugar cane, tapioca). non-GMO PLA (equivalent to non-GMO corn) used or made from ingredients such as roots, or beets, and other options; or standard non-biodegradable bags, often made of plastics such as synthetic nylon, or cotton, polyester, polypropylene, flannel, and other materials. In some embodiments, perishable materials may also be used. Such materials can be domestically rotten or commercially rotten.

The strings and tabs shown as elements 105 and 104 respectively in FIGS. 1 and 2 of various embodiments include combinations of biodegradable, perishable, organic strings and combinations of biodegradable, perishable, recycled organic tabs. can do. In some embodiments, strings or tabs are not provided or required. The tabs may have a different shape and size than those shown in FIG. 1, and the strings may be longer or shorter than described above, or may not be present. In some embodiments, a tag may be accompanied by a logo or other pictorial or alphanumeric entry. In other embodiments, a mechanism for squeezing, twisting, or rolling the filtered bag to remove the concentrated brewed water therein may or may not be attached. Such an embodiment may be used to twist a string and squeeze a bag, a pincher device used to independently grip and squeeze a filtered bag, pull a string through an opening to apply pressure, and squeeze a filtered bag. It may include an element embedded in the filter bag that can be applied, or an element embedded in the filter that itself allows torque to be applied to the filter bag.

A filter bag size of 3 inches x 3.5 inches has been described above, and a bag that allows for an empty space above the dried ground material is preferred, as such a bag provides a larger filter area for passage of hot water for submersion of the coffee grounds. This is because it allows the coffee to swell and absorb water. In alternative embodiments, the bag may be larger or smaller. Also, a square shape is possible. The bag may also have any other shape, such as spherical, round, oval, rectangular, or triangular. The square shape in the illustrated embodiment provides a desirable filter area.

In one embodiment, the bag is created by folding one piece of woven, non-woven or composite material to create a folded edge, and the two adjacent edges and opposite edges are adhesively ultrasonically sealed, heat sealed, or ultrasonically sealed. It is formed by adhesive sealing or sealing using fasteners. In Fig. 1, the folded edge of the bag filter is the bottom edge, and the other three edges represent the sealed material. After folding and sealing of the two adjacent edges, coffee grounds are added through one remaining opening. In one embodiment, the amount of coffee grounds added is about 12 grams. Then, after the coffee grounds are added, the top edge is sealed and, if such an embodiment is used, then the strings and tags are attached, also by non-adhesive ultrasonic welding, heating, gluing, or fasteners. . Ultrasonic sealing is used in preferred embodiments to create a clean edge that is free of glue or excessive heat that damages the product or packaging. In another embodiment, a string and tag may be pre-attached to the filter material and wrapped around the lower end of the filter bag, and a tag ultrasonically sealed or otherwise attached to the opposite side of the filter bag, thereby providing a clean and manageable filter , string, and tag pockets, which are easier to manage when placing less loose elements into the outer shell prior to flushing and sealing with preservation gas.

3 shows a pour-through filter bag 301 of an alternative embodiment of the present invention. The filter bag 103 of FIGS. 1 and 2 is made retractable and suspended in the liquid in the container by tabs and strings to be removed from the outer shell, and to be contained, to allow the coffee to be submerged in the liquid from the bag. . In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, strings and tabs are not used. Instead, filter bag 301 is integrated with one or more panels of perforated paper or cardboard, or other suitable material, bonded to the outer surface of the filter bag material. The outer shell 101 may be common in embodiments. When the shell 101 is opened and the filter bag 301 is removed, the paper panel can be unfolded by separating along the perforated line, hanging on or around the upper end of the edge of the drinking container ( hanger) or can be extended to act as a mount. In one embodiment, the filter bag 301 is closed along the top edge as described in other embodiments, but may be open along a pre-perforated line inserted from the top edge of the filter. The filter bag, with the panel 302 deployed, is placed over the rim of the cup 300, exposing the coffee grounds 305 so that hot water can be poured over the ground coffee and the filter and passed through , thus making the coffee beverage 304 in the cup.

In a preferred embodiment of this unfolded, pour-through embodiment, the paper or cardboard material is disposable, biodegradable, and/or perishable, and/or manufactured from non-GMO or organic sources. In other embodiments, plastic and conventional cardboard may be used. The filter material may be the same as described above for the closed filter bag implementation with strings and tags.

In some embodiments, instructions for use, and/or other information may be printed on the cardboard element of the pour-through implementation. The inks used for such embodiments may be soy-based, plant-based, mineral-based, or water-based, in order to conform to the desired characteristics of biodegradable or perishable components.

It will be clear to those skilled in the art that there are many ways in which a filter assembly can be designed and manufactured to provide the feature of pouring over and dripping liquid through. For example, in this embodiment the bag itself can have different shapes, eg conical or cylindrical or any combination, where liquid can be poured over the container and onto the coffee, to hold the ground coffee. To assist in suspending the inclusive filter material, a support material element is used in combination with the drinking container.

In other embodiments, panels 302 may be present in other shapes and placement combinations. In one embodiment, there are two perforated arms extending horizontally to attach to the drinking vessel at three points that fold in to create a rim to hold the filter bag on top of the vessel. In another embodiment, the support side extends outward similar to an accordion and rests on the upper end of the drinking container like a wall, whereby the inner filter is suspended, so that water is poured through the center of the device and over the coffee and filter. make it possible In another embodiment, a utensil or tool used with the filter bag is provided to assist in suspending the filter on or over the top of the drinking vessel. In one embodiment, a stick-like rod is provided for use with a top pour filter bag, wherein the filter has holes so that the rod can be placed through opposing holes so that the rod is placed on the top edge of the drinking vessel. and allows the filter to be suspended away from the rod. In other embodiments, tools of different shapes and quantities may be provided that act in conjunction with the filter bag.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, outer shell 101 is provided to enclose the filter bag containing the coffee and other elements that may or may not be implemented with the filter bag. In a preferred form, this outer shell consists of three laminated layers of material comprising 95% by weight of a perishable and biodegradable material. In other embodiments, the skin may be one, two, or various multiple layers of laminate material, and may be made of other materials, such as petroleum-based products.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing three layers 401, 402 and 403 of a preferred embodiment laminate configuration for the material of outer shell 101 of FIGS. 1 and 2 . Layer 401 in this example is an outer layer within a three-layer composite used for an outer skin. In a preferred embodiment, this outer layer comprises a reverse-printable transparent barrier so that the ink can be locked within the package. In this preferred embodiment, the outer layer retains barrier properties to protect the inner product and, in one embodiment, is made of 0.75 Mil perishable cellophane, biodegradable, renewable, sustainable rain, made from plant (cellulose). -GMO ingredients.

In many applications and embodiments, it may be desirable to print viewable information, backgrounds and/or pictures onto the outer shell. Such printed information may detail the contents of the envelope, such as, for example, a particular brand or type of coffee, and other ingredients, amounts of ingredients, and the like. Printed information may also specify opening and use statements, and may provide colors and logos for branding purposes. In other embodiments, printing may be performed on the outside of the packaging layer or may not be performed at all, and the material may be transparent or may be solid in color.

This outer cellophane material can also be printed on the outer surface, but can also be provided as a reverse-printable transparent layer on the inner surface, which provides security for printing when the laminate is achieved. The phrase "printed information" shown on (or under) the outer layer 401 indicates this printed material. In alternative embodiments, the skin may be one, two layers or multiple layers, or may be composed of a petroleum-based material.

The middle layer 402 of FIG. 4 is, in the preferred embodiment, a barrier layer to gas and moisture and comprises a metallized cellophane barrier layer as a 0.75 Mil perishable material, made from wood (cellulose). . Layer 402 has all embodiments of layer 401 with added metallization properties. In a preferred embodiment, the metallized layer is a thin layer of aluminum sprayed onto a transparent biodegradable material.

The inner layer 403 of FIG. 4 is, in a preferred embodiment, a seal layer comprising 35 Mil, which reacts to generate heat to create a strong envelope seal-strength, and is also completely biodegradable. -Made of base materials. In other embodiments, the layers of shell material may be of any order, thickness, transparency, flexibility, combination, or origin. In another embodiment, each of the laminate layers are glued together with a solvent glue to adhere them together. In a preferred embodiment, the glue used to adhere the laminate layers is biodegradable and/or compostable.

Generally, the outer shell is folded over a length of laminated film to give one folded edge, after which two other edges are made and preferably heat sealed, as will be explained in detail below, thereby As the partial sections are simultaneously cut from the roll stock, leaving the final edge open, allowing individual skins to be formed, providing a single opening on one side of the bag, which opening is subsequently opened for coffee It is constructed from roll stock, in such a way that it is filled into a filter bag assembly containing grounds. The filter bag is then dropped into the shell and the third and final edge is heat sealed as nitrogen gas is injected into the shell upon sealing. As one edge does not show three heat seal lines in FIG. 1, a folded edge can be seen. The processing identifies the bottom and top edges and the opposite side edges as being sealed in three parallel lines.

In a preferred embodiment, gaseous nitrogen is injected into the shell being formed during processing, and gaseous nitrogen fills the bag before the top is sealed. Nitrogen gas prevents oxidation. In other embodiments, other gases or valves may or may not be used to keep the coffee fresh by reducing oxidation. In another embodiment, instead of replacing oxygen, an oxygen absorbing material may be added for oxygen addition.

In a preferred embodiment, the nitrogen gas used in preparation and packaging is provided by a nitrogen generating machine. In some cases, a nitrogen air membrane filter, or a tank of pure nitrogen gas may be used.

The principle raw material for cellophane flexible packaging is cellulose, a renewable raw material from trees. A plurality of single serving packs are placed in an outer box for storage and transport to end users, retailers, and other distribution outlets. The outer cartons may have different dimensions, depending on the size and number of serving packs provided in each carton. In a preferred embodiment, the outer box will be 100% recycled material, 100% post-consumable material made with wind energy or renewable energy and/or credit. The print on the outer carton is a biodegradable, non-toxic vegetable, mineral, water, or soy based ink.

In one embodiment, the outer carton has tear tabs perforated at the ends so that one bag can be conveniently removed from the carton. In this embodiment, the outer carton may be 4" x 5" x 5". In other embodiments, there may be other orientations of tear perforation openings to allow convenient access. Additionally, different commercial and bulk ( For bulk use, there may be no ruptured part.

In a preferred embodiment, all boxes are printed with vegetable-based or soy-based ink. These inks are more environmentally friendly, produce less VOCs (volatile organic compounds), and are made from renewable resources such as soybean, linseed and corn.

In preferred circumstances, petroleum-based inks are not used. Through a preferred process when printing on cartons, the solvent recycling system recovers and recycles all waste solvents used in the sheet-fed press operation, creating less than 80% landfill waste.

5 is an outline view of a machine 501 that may be used in the production of single serving coffee packs in an embodiment of the present invention. These machines are exemplary only and, in embodiments of the present invention, represent one of a variety of commercially available machines that may be used with specific modifications and proprietary operations.

In this example, the filter bag material is provided to machine 501 in a continuous roll 502. The filter material may be woven or non-woven or composite, respectively, as more specifically described above. In some embodiments, such as filter bag 103 of FIG. 1 , the material on the roll is all filter material, or all is string and tagged filter material. In some embodiments, the material of the roll is pre-fabricated from a plastic or paper component to provide a suspended, pour-through bag, as shown in FIG. 3 as element 301 .

As the filter material enters the machine, the filter material is folded lengthwise to provide a bottom folded edge as shown in FIG. 1 . A side seal is made and the side opposite to the seal is made to a specified length to provide an open-top filter bag with opposite folded edges. As each bag is formed, the bag is filled with ground coffee introduced in the inlet funnel (503). In one embodiment, the amount of coffee and/or dried beverage ingredients varies with operating time. In another embodiment, additional equipment weighs the coffee and dispenses the coffee by volume or weight. The filled bag is, in a preferred embodiment, ultrasonically sealed and the strings and tags pre-attached or, in certain embodiments, attached throughout the process.

The skin material is supplied from a roll 504 and folded in a manner similar to a filter bag, but with the folded edge positioned on one side and the sealed edge positioned on the top, bottom, and opposite sides to form a skin. An opening is placed at the final sealed edge, where the finished and filled filter bags are inserted into this outer shell one at a time. In a preferred embodiment, the filter bag is inserted into the outer shell under a nitrogen atmosphere, nitrogen flushes the air in the outer shell out, and the outer shell is then sealed across the final opening, preferably by a heat sealing process. . In other embodiments, the outer shell can be created in an alternative configuration, including top and bottom seals with a third seal in the middle of the rear portion of the shell. Markers can be added at specific points on the laminated cladding roll stock to trigger action of the machine as the material is advanced, for example automatically advancing and cutting the material. In the preferred embodiment, using a conveyor belt that transports individual product packs away from the machine, the finished product exits the machine to be boxed on an output tray 505, where applicable product cartons are automatically erected. is placed, the product is inserted, the cartons are automatically sealed, the cartons are collected and packed into larger cases, the cases are added onto pallets, and then any products are stored and transported on the pallets.

6 is a diagram illustrating the processes involved in production, at least on a macroscopic level. It contains more than half a dozen processes, each with a series of closely related actions.

In process 601, a coffee or dry beverage ingredient mixture is selected and prepared. In a preferred embodiment, the coffee beans supplied are beans that conform to the highest quality and are certified as directly traded coffee with fair trade price standards. This is the process of selecting, at the molecular level, either one (bean from one origin) or a number of different coffee beans (blend). Beans are specifically roasted for a specific flavor and intensity profile. These beans are roasted and then ground within a specified timeframe to allow carbon to be degassed from the beans and before oxidation gives the ground coffee an unpleasant odor. Supplemental ground dry beverage ingredients are then added, if applicable, and all dried beverage ingredients are then mixed. The grind size of the coffee is specified to achieve the ideal flavor and caffeine extraction, where a smaller grind size will result in a larger surface area and more extraction, with a larger grind preventing the grind from exiting the filtered bag. will prevent The filter bag is specifically designed to allow maximum water permeability while retaining the coffee grounds. In a preferred embodiment, the coffee grounds are uniform with a diameter between 400 and 600 microns and less than 15% outside that threshold. A specific grinder is used in the grinding process to ensure a constant grind size, while also maintaining a low temperature in the grinding process to prevent cooking of the beans after roasting has already been completed.

In some circumstances, and for some products, supplemental ingredients may be added at this stage. For example, sugar, honey, and/or other sweeteners, and/or other beverage ingredients, such as milk or non-milk creamer options, and/or supplements and/or herbs may be added at this stage. This can be done in a number of ways. The grinding material can be added to the coffee grounds, or the material can be added, for example by spraying the ground coffee, thereby providing a coating on the grounds that can be absorbed into the solution before the coffee is submerged. can do. Some of the ingredients may be liquid and some may be in crystalline and/or dried form. How the ground material is ultimately prepared will vary greatly depending on the supplemental ingredients added.

Besides sweeteners, other flavoring ingredients may be added. These may, in different embodiments, be herbs, liquids, crystals, or ground materials, or other forms. There may be very special cases in which drugs and/or medicinal ingredients may be added.

In very special cases, for example, a single serving of coffee unit may be a delivery vector for additives for drug and recreational purposes.

In addition to any supplemental ingredients, other steps may be taken to adjust the moisture in the grinding mixture, or to bake or otherwise irradiate the mixture. At the end of this preparatory step, the grinding mixture with all the ingredients is in the appropriate amount to be added to the hopper 503 of the machine 501 and/or to supplemental hopper operations cooperating with the hopper 503, as required. placed in a storage container, thus achieving a similar transfer result into a machine for packaging. In other embodiments, replenishment ingredients may be added to replenishment packets made of any material, whether physically disposable or dissolvable, to improve the final beverage experience.

In process 602, a filter material is prepared. Such processes may include selecting woven or nonwoven materials, combining the woven and nonwoven materials to create a composite material, and passing the material through, without limitation, a submerged filter bag method or a pour-through method. This may include combining a method that may include a method of doing so. The permeability of the prepared filter material will be closely related to the degree of grinding of the ground coffee mixture and/or dried beverage ingredients. In some embodiments, for deployment as a pour-through unit, perforated paper panels may be added to the filter material, and in a pattern to provide individual bags or suitable elements for the pour-through unit. In another preferred embodiment, strings and tabs are added to the filter. The prepared filter material is provided to an automated process with machine 501 in rolls, but in other embodiments may be provided to a machine or packaging process as individual filters, skins, and/or bags.

In process 603, the outer shell material is prepared by reverse printing on the outer layer and, if formed for a particular product, then multiple layers are laminated, and the material is presented to automatic process machine 501. Prepared in rolls for In other embodiments, the shell material may be provided to a machine or packaging process as individual shells and/or bags. In other embodiments, an outer shell material may be first laminated and then printed on the outside of the film, a UV treatment process, an electron beam curing process, or any other process that helps seal and/or cure the ink on the roll. of the process, so that the ink does not migrate onto the inner side of the roll material.

Processes 601 , 602 , and 603 all feed into process 604 , which is a specific process carried out within machine 501 . The machine 501 is loaded with a coffee mixture, including supplemental ingredients where applicable. The machine folds and seals the filter bags, leaving one opening in each bag. The ground coffee mixture is added to the open side of the filter bag, after which the opening is sealed. In parallel with the formation and filling of the filter bags, shells are formed, each shell is packed with a filled filter bag inserted into the outer shell, and then the shell is flushed with nitrogen when the open end of the shell is sealed. Finished single serving packets are placed on a conveyor leading away from machine 501 . In some embodiments, nitrogen is flowed into the machine compartment to increase the purity level. In a preferred embodiment, the oxygen level is maintained at less than 2% oxygen and regularly tested as part of the process.

Process 605 defines the preparation of design files and boxes for single-serve packets that can be packed and sold in boxes of several units. In one embodiment, 12 packets make one box. Material is cut for cartons in a typical automated operation, printing is done on the cartons, and then assembled and prepared for a packing operation. Perforated lines, adhesives, and the like may be added. The finished carton is submitted to the packing process (606). In one embodiment, the finished carton is designed to be fed into a flat, automated carton forming, filling, and sealing machine.

In process 606, a box is provided, a packet is added, and the box is closed and sealed. A stamp or sticker, or other code, for example date and time, may be added, the loaded cartons may be bulk packed into larger cartons, and the larger cartons may be packed onto pallets, which are then Provided for storage and dispensing operations.

In some implementations and examples, products are produced and delivered even though the products are from other companies or organizations. In this process, embodiments are referred to as white labeling or co-packing. In the case of white labeling, the same process is applied, but using the branding of a particular corporate or institutional customer to give it a visible owner. The product is designed, all parameters are set and agreed upon in interaction with the customer, and stored for use at production time. Products are designed, produced, printed, and branded, and similar things are done to show that these particular products are products of that particular company or institution. Examples may include serving coffee packets for hotel brands, or airlines, or coffee roasters, white labeling for hospitals, retail stores, and more.

In some embodiments of the invention, products are distributed and sold through grocery stores and other general outlets, through white labeling for third-party companies and organizations, branded for third-party organizations and organizations, and in some embodiments , products are sold online directly to individual consumers.

FIG. 7 is an architecture diagram illustrating an architecture for businesses and individuals interacting with the web site of the business producing the serving packets specifically described herein. In this architecture, operators and other enterprises 703, by means of a computer device, such as a laptop 712 shown, through an Internet Service Provider (ISP) 716 within the carrier network 702, through a well-known Internet network 701 ) is connected to the server 706 connected within. This server runs the software 708, the server serves the web site, and connects to the data store 707.

A private individual 705, via an ISP 716, may use a computerized device, such as a smartphone 714 shown, and thus interact with a website 708, also via a server 706. there is. The maker of the single serving coffee packets, specifically described herein, is indicated by the server 709 , running software (SW) 711 , together with the data store 710 . Website 708 is intended to be hosted on behalf of the manufacturer.

FIG. 8 is an exemplary interactive interface provided to private individual customers and businesses linked to a web site 708 . This interface can be displayed on platform 712 as display 713 and on smartphone 714 as display 715 . In addition, there may be a number of other interactive interfaces that may be provided to customers through website 708 .

For purposes of illustration, it is assumed that the manufacturer 704 has a choice of four types of coffee: French Roast, African Dream, Columbian Roast, and Sumatran. Each available type may include Light Roast, Dark Roast, Caffeinated, and Decaffeinated. There may not be a sweetener available, it may be Splenda, raw sugar, honey, and Stevia. There may be no creamer option, and it may be dry or liquid non-milk, milk, animal-based, or non-animal-based. Although other selections are shown in Figure 8, it is assumed that these are sweetener selections. Assuming that the selection is exclusive, i.e. you can only have one brand with one type (e.g. decaffeinated) with no or one sweetener (ignoring how much sweetener there is), then 80 combinations there is. Assuming 3 different levels of sweetener are considered, there are 240 combinations.

As the constraints in this example are tight, it will be appreciated that this process allows for a great deal of personalization. In embodiments of the present invention, one of the objectives is to eliminate the need for consumers to have lighteners, sweeteners, and the like, and to add them to their cup of coffee. In this version of the present invention, all supplemental ingredients are contained within single serving packets, and all options are achieved in one, fully contained submerged or pour-through process.

Thus, by way of example, an individual customer using platform 714 may define a particular end product from a number of available combinations, and in one embodiment, a consumer may name that particular product, which It will be stored within the customer profile, allowing the customer to select from previously saved recipes when ordering. Also, different customers may define personal products with exactly the same recipe, but with different names. Without question, the recipe is associated with a name in each customer's personal profile.

The inventor contemplates many additional brands and types of coffee, and available recipes that can be produced with a wide variety of flavors, sweeteners, lighteners, and others, and at least tens of thousands. In one embodiment, each available to the customer will be provided by a radio button or other link on a high-level page for customers who have registered, have a profile, and have logged in. Upon activation of the link, say the coffee brand (French Roast, Columbian) and all available brands will be displayed by name within another interactive link. Activation of one of these links will provide a story about that coffee brand, which may include sources, growing regions, videos, related stories, and more. Other advice, related to the social context for these brands, may be presented for the customer.

A considerable depth of information and others can be provided for each available one that can be provided to customers in this way, and customers can name and create various recipes for different situations, places, times of the day, and more. there is.

In one aspect of the present invention, a semi-automatic machine may be used to notify operators of a parent organization, thereby enabling a customer to create a test quantity of a created recipe and then place an order. Pricing is graded, and reorders and order quantities are priced accordingly so that cost is at least reflected in this process. In another embodiment, the automatic machine may generate order-by-order selections in a timely manner.

In other embodiments, users may be able to socially share and interact with their platform selection and creation. In one aspect, a chat process is maintained throughout the website, allowing customers to promote their creations and communicate with other customers regarding such creations. All creations and orders are recorded into an order history archive, and widely used creations can be selected for rewards and awards. In another embodiment, the order is optimized to be an automatic repeat order.

In many aspects, not all customers may be able to use all variables for creative endeavors. Some possible ingredients, for example medicinal and recreational agents, may be strictly regulated and subject to regulatory control in different jurisdictions. Many of these variables may only be used for white-labeling projects by companies that are licensed and able to handle certain variables, such as prisons, psychiatric hospitals, and hospitals. For example, doctors, psychologists, and psychiatrists may make special use of some of the variables.

In another embodiment, the coffee single-serve-cup, either built into the lower end behind the filter, attached to the inside of the cup so that your coffee is made when the user adds water to the cup, or contains a water-soluble packet that disappears in use. Whether or not, it includes coffee grounds built into or as part of the cup of the present invention. When finished, additional embodiments may include perishable cups and/or entire service cups may be biodegradable. Serving cups incorporating coffee and/or dried beverage ingredients may be packaged as a stacked unit, for example with a jug of hot water for convenient use and limited preparation needs.

In another embodiment, a dual chamber pouch is provided comprising two filter bags to one, which is provided with a larger gauge filter and increased water while still retaining beans within a smaller gauge complimentary pouch. /Enables a combination of air permeability.

In another embodiment, a larger filter bag is provided to allow the entire pot of coffee to be submerged. For example, for an entire group while camping, a larger filter bag is placed inside a larger thermos, and in a preferred embodiment, the filter bag is biodegradable and/or compostable.

In another embodiment, a chilled coffee or cold brew lock bag for longer immersion times in cold water is provided.

In another embodiment, a submersible bag made for brewing cascara tea, which is the outer cherry shell of a coffee cylinder, is provided. In another embodiment, an outer skin of coffee cherries is provided as a product along with roasted coffee beans from within the same batch of outer cherries to provide the experience of tasting the whole coffee of the same skin along with the inner beans.

In another embodiment, a tag may be attached to a string attached to the side of the cup. Such a tag may be a sticker, half sticker, or adhesive element, the paper backing material being pulled off to expose the adhesive strip. The sticky tag allows a user to attach a tea tab to the side of a cup or container, thereby preventing loss of the string and/or tab in the water and/or drinking container.

In another embodiment, the concentrated liquid coffee is placed in a canister, tube, or package, so that the user only needs to add water to the container to achieve ideal coffee strength, preparation, and drinkability.

In another embodiment, an open brew filter bag is placed over the edge of the entire cup with the filter bag within the cup. The top of the filter bag has a mechanism, eg elastic, pull string, adhesive, etc., which helps the filter to stay securely on the lid of the drinking container. Water is poured into the open filter and directly onto the coffee grounds. With the lid open, the user can stir during beverage preparation, then simply pull the opening of the bag before removing the filter and coffee inside to the outside of the cup, leaving the brewed coffee free of grounds or filters. .

Those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments described herein are exemplary only, that different products can be defined and provided through a wide variety of combinations and quantifications of the various variables, and that all such combinations, although specifically described herein, Although not described, it will be clearly understood that other aspects or embodiments of the present invention may be considered. The limitations of the present invention are defined only by the following claims.

Claims (23)

It is a single serving coffee package and:
an outer shell having four edges, at least two of the four edges being heat-sealed;
a plurality of coffee particles ground from roasted coffee beans, the plurality of coffee particles weighing from 8 to 20 grams, and less than 15% of the plurality of coffee particles having a dimension of less than 400 microns;
A filter bag comprising only a single layer of filter material, the filter bag being positioned entirely within an outer shell, with one folded edge to form a closed shell defining the interior volume of the filter bag and defining the front and rear surfaces of the filter bag. and has sealed edges;
one folded edge, two opposing seams and a top seam of the single layer of filter material form a rectangular perimeter of the filter bag and an internal volume of the filter bag;
The inner volume of the filter bag includes coffee particles and empty space therein,
the rectangular perimeter of the filter bag has at least one of a height or a width of at least 3 inches;
The filter material exhibits a plurality of openings through the filter material, each of the plurality of openings being large enough to permit passage of water through the filter material and large enough to prevent the passage of coffee particles through the filter material. Filter bags, sufficiently small compared to the size of the particles; and a gas surrounding the filter bag and the plurality of coffee particles within the outer shell, wherein the gas is inert to the filter bag and the plurality of coffee particles exposed to the gas within the outer shell. 2. The coffee packaging of claim 1, wherein the outer shell is rectangular. 3. The single serve coffee packaging of claim 2, further comprising a string and a tag, the tag attached to one end of the string and the filter bag attached to the other end of the string. 4. The single serving coffee packaging of claim 3, wherein the filter bag is formed of at least 95 weight percent biodegradable material. 5. The heat-sealable method of claim 4, wherein the outer shell is constructed as a laminate having an inner layer and an outer layer, the inner layer and outer layer of the laminate being bonded by an adhesive, and the inner layer of the laminate being heat sealed on itself. A single serving coffee packaging formed of a material, the outer layer forming a barrier to moisture and gases, the outer layer being printable for displaying information and indicia. 6. Single serving coffee packaging according to claim 5, wherein one end of the string is ultrasonically attached to the tag and the other end of the string is ultrasonically sealed to the filter bag. 7. The single serve coffee packaging of claim 6, wherein the outer shell comprises a recyclable petroleum-based material and a metallized layer to add additional barrier properties. 7. The single serve coffee packaging of claim 6, wherein the inner and outer layers of the laminate are each made of at least 95% biodegradable material by weight and the adhesive is formed of at least 95% biodegradable material by weight. 7. The coffee packaging according to claim 6, wherein the filter bag is rectangular and the filter material is a non-woven fabric. 10. The coffee packaging of claim 9, wherein the strings are made from a plurality of woven materials of at least 95 weight percent biodegradable polylactic acid material and the filter bag is made from at least 95 weight percent biodegradable polylactic acid material. . 2. The single serve coffee packaging of claim 1, wherein the outer shell has a maximum dimension of 5 inches. 2. The single serve coffee packaging of claim 1, wherein the filter bag has a maximum dimension of 3.5 inches. delete A method for providing single-serve coffee packaging:
providing a continuous roll of filter material exhibiting a plurality of openings through the filter material;
Folding a single layer of filter material lengthwise while unrolling a continuous roll of filter material to form a folded edge parallel to the folded edge to form a filter bag having one open side, a front surface, and a back surface. producing a second ultrasonically-sealed seam orthogonal to the first ultrasonically-sealed seam and the folded edge;
placing a plurality of ground coffee particles from roasted coffee beans into the filter bag through the open side, the plurality of coffee particles weighing from 8 to 20 grams, and less than 15% of the plurality of coffee particles having a dimension of less than 400 microns. wherein the filter bag is configured to prevent passage of the plurality of coffee particles through the plurality of openings in the filter material, the plurality of openings being large enough to allow passage of water through the filter material, and the plurality of coffee particles through the filter material. placing a plurality of coffee particles within the filter bag that are sufficiently small compared to the size of the plurality of coffee particles to prevent passage of the particles;
ultrasonically sealing and cutting the open edge of the filter bag to form a sealed edge so as to enclose the plurality of coffee particles and voids within an interior volume formed by a closed shell formed from only a single layer of filter material; The single layer of filter material does not overlap along the front surface, the back surface, the first ultrasonically-sealed seam, or the second ultrasonically-sealed seam of the filter bag, the folded edge, the first ultrasonically-sealed seam, the The second ultrasonically-sealed seam and the sealed edge define a rectangular perimeter of the filter bag and an internal volume of the filter bag, wherein the rectangular perimeter formed by the single layer of filter material is at least one of a height or a width of at least 3 inches. having;
providing a roll of laminated film, folding the laminated film and heat sealing the edge of the laminated film to form an outer shell having a folded edge, an opposite side seam, a bottom side seam and an open edge;
placing the filter bag within the outer shell;
Filling the outer shell with a gas to surround the filter bag and the plurality of coffee particles with the gas, wherein the gas is inert to the filter bag and the plurality of coffee particles exposed to the gas within the outer shell. , filling the outer shell with a predetermined gas; and
heat sealing and cutting the open edge of the outer shell to form a single serving coffee package. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the outer shell is formed to be rectangular. 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising attaching a string and a tag, wherein one end of the string is attached to the filter bag and the other end of the string is attached to the tag. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the filter bag is formed of at least 95 weight percent biodegradable material. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the laminated film includes an inner layer and an outer layer, the inner layer and outer layer of the laminated film are bonded by an adhesive, and the inner layer of the laminated film is heat-sealed on itself heat-sealed. formed of a sealable material, the outer layer forming a barrier to moisture and gases, and the outer layer being printable for displaying information and indicia. 19. The method of claim 18, further comprising ultrasonically attaching one end of the string to the tag and ultrasonically attaching the other end of the string to the filter bag. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the outer shell is formed from a recyclable petroleum-based material having a metallized layer. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the inner and outer layers of the laminated film are formed from at least 95 weight percent biodegradable material and the adhesive is formed from at least 95 weight percent biodegradable material. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the filter bag is rectangular and formed of a non-woven fabric. 23. The method of claim 22 further comprising forming the strings from a plurality of woven materials of at least 95 weight percent biodegradable polylactic acid material, wherein the filter bag is made of at least 95 weight percent biodegradable polylactic acid. .

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